Woodhouse-Arthur: Coldwell Eager To Seal The Fight

By Alistair Hendrie

Promoter Dave Coldwell has set the ball rolling in negotiations for a non-title fight between Curtis Woodhouse, the English light-welterweight champion, and Alex Arthur, the former WBO super-featherweight champion.

Woodhouse won his domestic title against Dave Ryan in September, and Coldwell is eager to keep his charge active, although he admits a deal is still up in the air.

“I spoke to Arthur at the weekend about the fight but he thinks he might have another fight planned. If not, I’m sure he’ll accept,” said Coldwell. “I’ve fancied the fight for a while and I think Curtis can win.”

“I respect Arthur but I’ve been honest with him and told him he isn’t getting a world title shot again soon. Unless he’s got a big domestic clash or something like that, then this is the biggest fight out there for Arthur.”

At 34, Arthur is considered a veteran of the sport, and Coldwell believes the Scot should step up to the plate and accept the challenge.

“His last three fights have been against Michael Frontin, Aleksander Vakhtangashvili and Jay Morris. They’re just not big names; Curtis is far bigger than them now.”

“Curtis wants the fight too. As well as being a fight that’s going to get the fans talking, it’s a fight he may be remembered for at the end of his career.”

“This is the kind of fight I like, a good old fashioned scrap. You don’t need a title on the line for a great fight, and I know if we can do a deal it will be an absolute war.”